Abstract: A novel information recording medium comprising a substrate and a recording layer for writing and/or reading information by means of a laser beam which is provided on the substrate is disclosed. The recording layer contains a dye having at least one chromophore selected from the group consisting of an amidinium ion chromophore, a carboxyl ion chromophore and a dipolar amide chromophore, and an organic solvent-soluble silver salt. Alternatively, the recording layer contains said chromophore and this recording layer is arranged in contact with a layer of an organic solvent-soluble silver salt.